The IPU Regional Meetings are in full swing. Four meetings took place across October, and four more are scheduled for the first half of November. The President Caoimhe McAuley and Secretary General Clare Fitzell are both attending every meeting. This is your chance to raise the issues that matter to you and to hear about the new IPU strategy. A full report of the issues raised will appear in next month’s IPU Review.
The most recent meeting was held in Donegal Town on 22 October. While in Donegal, Ms Fitzell took the opportunity to visit local pharmacies, including Britton’s Pharmacy and Begley’s Pharmacy.
“Visiting Britton’s and Begley’s was a real highlight,” she said. “Hearing the family history behind each pharmacy reminded me of what makes our sector so special. It truly puts the ‘community’ into community pharmacy. These pharmacies are part of the fabric of the towns they serve. They are trusted sources of care and advice, and they’re important local employers too. Days like this remind me why I do this job, and they renew my determination to make sure the voice of community pharmacy is heard.”
Ms Fitzell also enjoyed meeting Rita Gamble, who has worked with Joe Britton for more than 27 years. Ms Gamble drives every day from just outside Derry to serve the people of Donegal Town. “Rita’s commitment says everything about the dedication of pharmacy teams across the country,” Ms Fitzell added.
The 2026 Regional Meetings of the IPU continue in November and dates and venues still to come are listed below. Don’t forget that if your local meeting doesn’t suit, you can come to any of the regional meetings.
IPU Secretary General Clare Fitzell says; “This is your opportunity to feedback your experience of community pharmacy and to hear about the work of the IPU team. The IPU is your representative body and your views count — please do try to attend. The IPU President, Caoimhe McAuley, the IPU team and I look forward to seeing you there.”
Registration for all meetings will open at 7.30pm, and meetings will begin at 8.00pm sharp.
| Region | Venue | Date | |
| Midlands | Tullamore Court Hotel, O’Moore Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly | 4 | November |
| West | McWilliam Park Hotel, Kilcolman Rd, Claremorris, Co Mayo | 5 | November |
| Dublin | Clayton Hotel, Liffey Valley, Fonthill Rd, Dublin 22 | 11 | November |
| South | Talbot Hotel, Ballincollig, Cork | 12 | November |
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